Pick Analysis: Johnson is an H-back and a Steelers-type player with quickness and the ability to run vertical routes. He had 16 yards per catch in college. He's a good fit for what Pittsburgh tries to do on offense.

Johnson's statistics did not put him on any All-American teams, but his 22 receptions in 2008 went for 356 yards (an excellent 16.2-yard average) and five touchdowns and he did make second-team All-Sun Belt. The combination of his blocking and receiving skills is what puts him among this year's best senior H-back prospects. Texas A&M found out his value as a blocker in the Red Wolves' shocking September upset in College Station. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 3/4 inches at the combine.

High School

Caught 20 passes as a senior and two touchdowns for the Zebras ... Primarily used as a blocker, but runs a 4.7-second 40-yard dash ... Two-year letterman ... Helped his team to a 10-3 record ... All-State pick as a senior and two-time all-conference ... Played baseball as well.

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Analysis

Positives: Fullback/tight end combination with matching build: well-built lower body with fullback height and long arms usually seen on receivers. Lines up with his hand down and as an H-back. Excellent in-line and open-field blocker. Uses leg strength to get out of his stance quickly and get into his route or block, anchors well and pushes aside defensive ends with 30 to 50-pound weight advantages. Finds targets in space and negates them using his length and strength. Good hands; can snatch balls from the air and adjust to poor throws. Has the speed to get deep down the seam. Used as outside protector on placements.

Negatives: Will be most effective in an H-back or true fullback position because of his lack of height. Inexperienced playing fullback in the I-formation. Generally played against a lower level of competition, although Arkansas State does play stronger non-conference games. Must work on hand technique and get up to speed against stronger, quicker defensive ends and linebackers when blocking.